5th July 2023

Page 1

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WEDNESDAY min 5° max 14°

THURSDAY min 5° max 12°

FRIDAY min 6° max 13°

St. Arnaud, Charlton, Wedderburn & Surrounding Districts

Est. 1864

18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud. 3478. - Advertising & Editorial Material - Ph.: (03) 5495 1055; Fax.: (03) 5495 1937. Email: ncn@iinet.net.au Published weekly.

$2.00

WEDNESDAY JULY 5th 2023.

Registered by Australia Post, Publication No. VAC 4217.

Circulating in:- St. Arnaud, Charlton, Donald, Rupanyup, Bealiba, Stawell, Marnoo, Navarre, Dunolly, Wycheproof, Wedderburn, Birchip, Korong Vale, Stuart Mill, Redbank, Avoca & Moonambel.

(Incl. GST)

The Greens facilitate Djaara communication on Teddington Reservoir WELCOME to country was carried out by Rebecca Philips from the Djaara/Dja Dja Wurrung people before a meeting between the Greens MP for Western Victoria region in the Upper House of the Victorian Parliament, Sarah Mansfield and those aiming to save the Upper Teddington Reservoir from being decommissioned. Sarah was greeted by a well-represented group of about 50 enthusiastic supporters of the community, wanting the reversal of the decommissioning decision by Parks Victoria. The meeting turned out to be a third party negotiation facilitated by Sarah Mansfield, because from the Djaara perspective Rebecca was here to hear the words from those that live here and have love for this country. “Water is life, and being country makes you care more for it and look after it. “We have moved around water so much so where do you draw the line. “I can’t say I am for removing any water here at all. “I want what’s best for country, for the people and can’t help the country without helping the people. Rebecca believes that because the reservoir was built 130 years ago so the cultural heritage has already been disturbed.

“Big cultural changes are worse for the country than what was done all those years ago. “In the past farmers and indigenous people have been pitted against each other, farmers have land but not us, I don’t see that as a good way forward. “We need to work together and talk about our common shared values. “Let’s not get this beautiful country torn up” Rebecca said. Rebecca made it clear that she spoke on her behalf only but made it known that she is prepared to push the opinion of the people present. She will take it to her family representatives although she cannot speak for all the mob. Several of those present spoke including Northern Grampians Councillor Ostarcevic saying that the community feels it is not being heard. “Parks Victoria has apologized for not

including the community before the decision was made but they are proceeding with the project to decommission.” Rebecca responded that she knows how the group feels. “Like an af terthought and just a tick the box which is how we [first nations people] have felt for over a hundred years.” The decision by Parks Victoria has been fought by not only the Stuart Mill community but from other residents who believe that the Teddington Reservoir has a significant place in the lives of local residents and all Australians appreciating the beauty and peace of the Upper Teddington Reservoir and the adjoining campground. Sarah Mansfield said that the community has not been bought along on this journey. “Then at the very least you deserve to be heard and have a say in what happens. “There are lots of ways we can put pressure on the

Above: (left to right) Danny Lloyd President Stuart Mill Water Board, Rebecca Philips, Sarah Mansfield Greens MP, Councilor Eddy Ostarcevic, and Hilary McAlister (Media Officer) inspect the empty Upper Teddington Reservoir. - SOURCE: Sheryn Lloyd. government to have your opinions heard.” “Keep writing, turn up at the door of your local member, write to the paper, use all the tools you have. “Get that loud speaker going and that is the tool you have to make your voice heard.”

The decision Parks Victoria made the decision to decommission the reservoir without any community consultation and held a public meeting after funds had been allocated to undertake the decommissioning

without conveying that decision to the meeting. Since the decision was known two public meetings have been held and a campaign event to garner support against the decommissioning decision. A petition of support has been conveyed by the Ripon Member of Parliament Martha Haylett to the Minister for the Environment, Ingrid Stitt, Since that time, no word has been received as to whether the decision has been reversed and according to Chris

Above: Greens MP Sarah Mansfield addresses the crowd. - SOURCE: Sheryn Lloyd. Corbell, the District Director of Parks Victoria, the planning for the project is going ahead.

Everyone was invited to walk through the smoke and pay their respects to country. • Cont. page 4.

Local farmers disrupt Albanese’s visit to Horsham LOCAL farmers angry at the lack of consultation about the VNI West Connector powerlines planned for this area disrupted a visit by the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Horsham. Mr Albanese was opening a water park in Horsham on Thursday when the protest disrupted the visit and the prime minister was rushed to his car by Federal Police. It has been reported that protesters made offensive hand gestures towards the Prime Minister with some protesters calling out ‘Nick off with your powerlines’. Later Mr Albanese said that it was not clear what they were demonstrating about, but that there had and were

ongoing consultations with community. ABC reported Mr Albanese said people are always entitled to put forward their views but they should do it respectfully. Mr Billy Baldwin one of the protesting farmers said he believed the group stayed within the bounds of respectability. “We certainly cheered when he left, but I did not see any offensive hand gestures. • Continued page 6.

Local farmers disrupt the Prime Minister’s opening of a water park in Horsham. - SOURCE: Jason Barrett.


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